We flew into Rome a day early, in order to try and trick the jet lag and to make sure we didn't feel rushed meeting up with our tour group the next afternoon. 

 

We arrived early in the morning and had a car waiting to whisk us off to Hotel Aberdeen, selected by Mom, because she was born and raised in Aberdeen, WA (home of Curt Cobain too!). 

 

The hotel was kind enough to let us check in to our room and after a nice nap, we hit the streets in the of Rome in the late afternoon, smartphones in hand in an attempt to not get too lost. 

 

Fueled by Espresso, we did awesome! 

 

I am not sure if it was on accident or on purpose but we found our way to the Spanish Steps and were able to take in the buzz of the crowd and the sky beginning to turn amber and pink at sunset.

 

We wandered around and ate the most delicious dinner near the hotel at Fuocolento Ristorante where we shared artichokes, squash blossoms and pasta with sausage ragu.